Applications for SEDarc PhD studentships commencing in September 2025 are now open.

1. Choose a PhD programme in one of the subject areas below. Apply for a PhD place via our Applicant Portal by the studentship deadline. You can find out how to do this on our Admissions page

Each department has their own internal application and evaluation process. Follow the department specific application information (see the link in the table below or, if not specified, contact the relevant department lead). 

2. If approved by your department, you will then be asked to complete a SEDarc application form by the studentship deadline. Guidance on completing the form is available.

After the first stage of the selection process, Royal Holloway forwards its top-ranked nominated applicants to the SEDarc consortium for the second stage of the competition. There are up to 39 awards available each year across the whole consortium. Of these 39 awards, up to 3 are for applicants who meet its widening participation criteria (see SEDarc Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage for more details).

Royal Holloway’s deadline for SEDarc studentship applications is Friday 17 January 2025, midday.

SEDarc research should propose projects within these 5 cross-disciplinary, challenge-led themes that span the social sciences:

• Living Sustainably
• Healthy, Thriving Communities
• Inclusive Economic Growth
• Secure, Effective and Trusted Organisations
• Transformative Technologies for Society

To find out more about these themes see SEDarc thematic pathways.

You can apply for funding to study for a Masters and PhD (1+3.5 award) or a PhD alone (+3.5). 1+3.5 awards are available to applicants who do not hold a masters degree in social sciences, except where an additional MSc can be justified in the discipline of Economics.

If you wish to apply for a 1+3.5 award and complete a Masters first, the compliant Royal Holloway Masters programmes are listed below:

• MSc Clinical Psychology (Psychology department)
• MSc Economics (Economics department)
• MSc Elections, Campaigns, and Democracy (Politics & International Relations department)
• MSc Global Futures (Geography department)
• MSc Media, Power, & Public Affairs (Politics & International Relations department)

The deadline for applications to be submitted to Royal Holloway's SEDarc competition is Friday 17 January 2025, midday, but departments will set their own earlier application deadlines - please check with them directly where not noted below.

Business and Management: Monday 6 January 2025, 12pm

Cyber Security: Monday 6 January 2025, 5pm

Economics: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 5pm

Geography and Environmental Studies: Monday 6 January 2025, 5pm

Law and Criminology: Friday 10 January 2025, 9am

Politics, International Relations, and Philosophy: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 5pm

Psychology: Monday 6 January 2025, 9am

Click here for a brief overview of SEDarc and the list of specific requirements for supervisors.

Email esrcdtp@royalholloway.ac.uk if you have any enquiries about applying for a SEDarc studentship at Royal Holloway.

The SEDarc website can be accessed here.

What will the programme look like?

As a SEDarc postgraduate researcher you will:

• Conduct an independent challenge-led research project achievable in 2.75 years
• Follow 200 hours per year of subject specific training and wider professional development to enhance your career prospects
• Undertake a funded 3-month placement which can be completed flexibly
• Submit a new style of PhD thesis which includes reflection on your training journey, your placement and knowledge exchange activities

What academic qualifications do I need to apply?

To apply for a Masters plus PhD (1+3.5) you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelors' degree (Honours).

To apply for a PhD only you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Masters degree and which includes the required research methods training.

I have already started my PhD programme. Can I apply for a SEDarc studentship?

Students who have already started their PhD are not eligible for a SEDarc studentship.

Can I apply for a SEDarc studentship directly, without contacting the department?

All applicants must be interviewed by their corresponding departments before proceeding to apply to SEDarc. All shortlisted applicants are then asked to complete a SEDarc application form by their departments. After the internal cross-disciplinary review, up to 18 top-ranked candidates across all participating departments at Royal Holloway, University of London get forwarded to SEDarc DTP for the external review.

Do I have to know my supervisor before applying for a SEDarc studentship?

An important part of the SEDarc application form is supervisor statement. Hence, it is essential to discuss your research project with your potential supervisor. If you are unsure who could be your supervisor (after exploring the department’s staff directory), you can contact your department PGR director/DTP lead for further guidance.

I am an international student. Can I apply for a SEDarc studentship and will my tuition fees be covered?

To be classed as a home (UK) student, you must meet the following criteria and the associate residency requirements:

• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

If you do not meet the criteria above, you are classed as an international student. 

As an international student you can apply for a SEDarc studentship; however, please note, that only up to 30% of each cohort of students may be international.

Successful international recipients of a SEDarc studentship will receive a tuition fee award from the University covering the difference between home and international fees.

What is the studetnship amount and what does it cover?

You can find current stipend and fee rates, as well as other support provided by UKRI for studentship award holders here: 'Get a studentship to fund your doctorate' page on the UKRI website. SEDarc studentships at Royal Holloway include additional £2000 London allowance.

Supplementary funds are available for research and training costs (such as attending conferences, overseas fieldwork, language training, placement costs, etc.). 

The studentship does not cover flights, visa, or health surcharge costs.

I don’t have any concrete job placement plans at this stage. What information should I include in my SEDarc application form?

SEDarc studentships fund 3 months of job placement (if you do not undertake a placement, the maximum funding you can get is for 3.25 years for a PhD and 4.25 years for a MSc+PhD). However, you do not need to have any job placement arrangements at this stage. Instead you can suggest potential placement partners, which can be from public, private, or academic sectors, that would be a good fit for your research and future employment career.

What is the competition timeline?

ESRC terms and conditions and eligibility

All ESRC awards are subject to UKRI Terms and Conditions. Please ensure that you are familiar with them. They are set out in two documents which can be accessed via the 'Manage your award' page on the UKRI website:

• UKRI Terms and Conditions of Training Grants
• UKRI Training Grant Guidance

Note that EU students are now classed as international students and the UKRI funding competitions have been opened to all international students who may apply for a UK fees and stipend award.